BMW R1200RT Seat Foam Upgrade And Shaping

It's actually pretty easy to replace the factory seat foam with an insert of a softer foam, which you can then shape to suit your needs. In this video I'll demonstrate the process from start to finish. Links are below for tools and materials. The result is a MUCH more comfortable seat. Keep in mind, though, that heated seats present a more challenging problem and that the original seat cover may not fit as well or may need replacing. I made my original seat cover work for now, but an upgrade is likely in the future. My seat is the one-piece factory "low" version, which is probably more difficult to modify than the more common two-piece style.
UPDATE: after a long ride I decided one area in the front needed a little more room for "the boys." So I peeled back the cover and made that adjustment. I also added a thin layer of felt fabric that my wife provided, which helped smooth things over. Then I finished with a plastic barrier. With a little more foam removed now the cover fits perfectly with no wrinkles at all.
►To purchase:
www.sunmatecus... (Seat foam options)
www.sunmatecus... (Foam density chart)
amzn.to/3lmMq8x (Carving knife)
amzn.to/32AQlH8 (Spray adhesive)
amzn.to/3nfidZp (Air staple gun)
amzn.to/38zvxUr (Grinder)
amzn.to/3eSBJYA (sanding discs)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

[@backroadsrider2]

Outstanding work and skill, definitely a cost effective solution. I have a 2011 R1200RT with the low suspension and anything over 2 hours is uncomfortable. My upholstery skills have proven to be non-existent, so I chose the expensive solution and bought a Sargent Low seat with the November discount and free shipping. Keep up the great work, your videos have allowed me to perform all my maintenance including servicing the drive shaft.

[@tinderboxarts]

I looked at the Sargent seat as well, but I'm just too much of a cheapskate! I figured I'd give this a shot and if it was a fail I could always get a Sargent or a Corbin. The original seat cover is certainly not perfect, but it's functional for now. I may play around with that in the future.

[@AgricUltra]

Such an excellent video. I’m inspired. Thank you!

[@jimgeelan5949]

I had a go at my 1200 gs seat a few weeks ago, its pretty easy once you get over the fear of thinking your going to destroy your seat but the game changer you have done is adding the extra layers and blending them in I’m going to go back in and tweet mine again, thanks great advice

[@tinderboxarts]

You're right--it's the fear of destroying an expensive seat which stops a lot of people from trying this! I've been pretty happy with my modification and it worked well on a cross country trip I did earlier this year. The only thing I might change is to look for a plastic sheeting over the foam which lays smoother. I can see a couple of wrinkles on the sides from that plastic, though it doesn't affect function.

[@CycleGeezer-cq9lm]

Super video! I have a 23 Suzuki SV650 which I absolutely love, but it has what feels like a 2x6 board for a seat. I'm trying to locate a second stock seat that I can do essentially what you have shown for comfort. Then I'll use the 2x6 board seat for track days. Thanks for the video....very informative!!

[@dbk81]

Dynamite, well done! I have a 650 Versys seat that needs some work, this video has some great insights, love the marking of seat pan and cover to use as reference points. Appreciate you taking the time to video and post.

[@joseblazquez2178]

Great video as an owner of a 2012 R1200RT I have the same issue with the stock seat been usable for only two hours

[@tinderboxarts]

Yeah, that was about my limit too. This new foam solution is exciting for me, and if I ever want to modify it some more, it's no big deal to pull the cover again.

[@oloololo5725]

very good job plus you are very smooth in explaining everything - really enjoyed listening to you through the "lesson". recently bought R1150RT-P and planning to change the seat - the foam, because I'm short and need to reach the ground, and second - the cover needs an upgrade as well. Thanks again!

[@tinderboxarts]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ArcanePath360]

The 2014 RT does have plastic protecting the foam under the seat. However it didn't work well as I have green mould under the seat on the groin area. I guess rubbing against it over the last 10 years took it's toll, hence the need for me to reupholster. I want to change the shape too with extra foam at the rear

[@tinderboxarts]

Ugh! That's kind of gross! Maybe water got in there from underneath. I never did change the stock cover from when I did this video, but over time it conformed to the new shape and it is still going strong.

[@ArcanePath360]

@@tinderboxarts That's wild from a much older seat than mine. Maybe because I ride in all weather daily. I noticed my stitches don't look good either while I was practicing doing butt stitches with a V92 thread top stitch on scrap PU leather and comparing, the thread that's on the bike looks very worn away. Looks like they used a not very good thread like bonded polyester. I never liked the seat on the 2014 onwards models. Too plain. I'm using this as an opportunity to make it look much better. I'm even backing a backrest for it.

[@cozysouth]

Thanks for posting this. I’m about to do this on my 2013 RT seat.

[@tinderboxarts]

I'd love to hear how it goes! I still may replace my cover when I get around to it, but the foam is much better.

[@2wheelsrbest327]

Great video but sadly I don't think with my limited skills I could achieve what you have. If I ever do pluck up the courage to attempt to do it yours will be the video I will use . Stay safe.

[@tinderboxarts]

It is a little scary at first, but if you sneak up on the dimensions with the knife and the grinder it's less risky. Once I realized that I could always start over with more foam if I made a mistake it just became a matter of taking one step at a time.

[@2wheelsrbest327]

@@tinderboxarts Thank you

[@michaelskinner896]

Great video with nice skills. Thanks for this.

[@jasonshortphd]

The most comfortable bike I have ever ridden with had two "cups" cut out for your man parts. It really helped with the smashing of the lower parts sitting on long rides. Looks like a big improvement in the total seat though, how has it held up on long rides?

[@tinderboxarts]

In June of this year I did a 5600 mile cross-country trip in 14 days. Most days were 8-10 hours in the saddle. I was a little worried about the seat, actually, and I hadn't done any major riding like that since covid. But, it turned out to be just fine. Obviously that amount of time in the saddle will result in some discomfort no matter what seat you have, but I was as comfortable as I could be doing 600 mile days in a row. The foam has held up well.

[@kdhardt]

Nice video, I own a S1000XR and will add some gel pad. I cant understand why the motorcycle seats are made sooo cheap.

[@tinderboxarts]

It's true--manufacturers often cheap out on the seat. Ironically some of the most comfortable factory seats I've ever sat on were installed on inexpensive bikes. Go figure.

[@stinksterrekerinski4450]

Thank you for saving me $$$

[@kevinbirge486]

it's not just bmw, most motorcycles are like this, why the f&€# don't they do it like this from the beginning its beyond me

[@tinderboxarts]

I know--it wouldn't take much to improve a lot of the stock seats out there.